Such outstanding production values and smart writing. Real shame this show didn't get to go further. It's still got more quality than most similar-genre shows that succeeded it.

I have just watched almost the whole series over a 1 week period. After about 4 episodes I knew it wouldn't get to a second series and almost stopped watching the rest. It suffers from what I call the Stephen King Syndrome. Very little of real substance told over too long a period and huge amounts of information about what the subject had for breakfast months ago. Up to about episode 13 now and will watch till the end only because of the time already invested. In other shows these 13 episodes could have been told in about 4 episodes. I do admit that when I started watching I wasn't really aware that it was a prequel to BSG hence a lot of it made no sense. For any show to last several series it has to stand alone and this didn't. I do think that the actors aren't too bad but the story is abysmal. Too much "fracking". Too much violence that appeared to be added for the sake of it. And a society at this level should be well aware of the health hazard that smoking is.And what a society. At episode 13 I am having a hard time thinking (now that I know BSG is to follow) that anybody except the Cylons should win.

A CEO computer expert's daughter is killed in a terrorist attack however he finds that she has found a way to live on in a virtual world which in turn assists him with his military defence contract. In addition, the bombing causes a string of events which impacts on the terrorist organisation and its victims.Carpica is a fairly complex series, part drama, part sci-fi with many threads and subtext. Those expecting Battlestar Glactica (BSG) with its struggle for survival may be disappointed, it's grounded in an urban environments rather than in space and although a prequel spin-off and in the same universe it covers mainly a society that's running out of control, intoxicated by success. It's a good production with spats of action. For BSG fans it does give an insight and link into some BSG history.Carpica's themes focus on social observations, mirroring contemporary issues, culture, beliefs and so on. It includes adolescent issues, corruption, misspent youth, time spent in virtual reality's, technological advancements, its benefits and pitfalls to name a few.Like BSG it creates a rich plausible environment, in this case Caprica City which immerses the viewer. In places it's reminiscent of The Thirteenth Floor (1999) and The Matrix (1999). There's mergers and accusations. On display are conglomerates, corporations, chat shows, the media's impact and control- naturally this comes hand in hand with 30s style mobsters and shady dealings. There's bombing and assassinations, Carpica City reflects our own world.The ethereal music compliments the series perfectly, the effects however are a mixed bag but serve their purpose. There are many meaty characters, interesting dynamics, arcs and thought provoking issues. The relationship with Joseph Adama played excellently by Esai Morales and his son are reminiscent of Goodfellas. The Bladrunner-like aspects of love relationships with the virtual Zoe Graystone are interesting. The acting is excellent from the leads, Eric Stoltz as Daniel Graystone is partially notable. It's a treat to see the original Cylon unit from both the original BSG and the re-imagining in action. While the closing episode feels slightly rushed (possibly to it not being renewed) plots are all tied up and it nestles nicely as a prequel to both Blood and Chrome and BSG the series. Overall a cracking yet sadly short live series which offers plenty food for thought.

Caprica tries to make use of an interesting time period in the Battlestar universe, trying to show the events leading up to the first cylon war. Generally, what you see most is just the genesis of the cylons. There are glimpses of references that Battlestar fans may appreciate, but overall, this series has a very different feel to it. While Battlestar had occasional episodes reminiscent of a classic noire (or similar genre blending with the sci fi), Caprica seems to want to implement the genre blending as a whole. This may work for some, but for me, it wasn't consistent enough to really fit. I think it's partly due to trying to fit too many themes together at once: classic sci fi, Godfather/Goodfellas-like mafia family dynamics, virtual reality/games, Frankenstein monster creation, and religious zealotry. In the end, it doesn't really feel like there's a cohesive identity.What probably bothered me the most, though, was that the series tried too hard to cater to a younger teen audience. Many of the main characters are annoyingly angsty teens. It's a bad case of trying to make paper thin characters more interesting than they really are. The world building also tries to be edgy and pander to video game nerds through "V World," a virtual escape where all morals disappear. It just comes across as an old person's understanding of a younger generation based off of lame assumptions.I don't think it's a waste of time if you're interested in watching. The show does have its moments that help build upon an interesting universe. It just seems a bit disappointing that it doesn't really satisfy as much as even the weakest seasons from Battlestar Galactica.Sidenote: Props to the show for including a non-stereotypical gay relationship and presenting it as a non issue rather than focusing on it.